A cat's fur has a number of functions: insulation, warmth, camouflage, communication, sensory input, and protection of the skin. The coat and skin are made up of:
Main furs[]
| Fur | Information |
| Guard hairs | From the longer coat |
| Awn hairs | Bristly and comprise the middle coat |
| Down hairs | Shorter, curly and soft and comprise the undercoat |
| Whiskers (or vibrissae) | Specialized hairs around the face and on the forelegs that are used as sensors |
| Specialized skin glands | On the chin, around the mouth, base of the ears, anus, and between the toes, produce scent secretions that have an important role in feline communication. |
Other furs[]
| Fur | Information |
| Vellus hairs | Peach, naked hairless-cat coat |
| Thinning hairs | Malnourished coat caused mainly by facial alopecia |